How to Protect a Stone Backsplash
We put a lot of time, effort, and money into making a house into a home. The kitchen is arguably the most difficult challenge. As a room, it has a highly practical function. But is also one of the key spaces where we tend to interact socially with friends and family. Unfortunately, the grease and splatter that happens whenever we’re cooking can make your kitchen look dirty and aged must faster than you would like. This is especially true for your backsplash, which often gets overlooked during routine cleaning. Let’s look at how to protect a stone backsplash.
Whether you want a backsplash or full bodied stone countertops, Neolith is here for you. We provide the highest-quality sintered stone slabs for various applications.
How to Protect a Stone Backsplash
To keep your kitchen looking top-notch. You have to do three things.
- Make Smart Design Choices
- Use Protective Coatings Where Appropriate
- Don’t Just Focus on Visible Dirt
Of course, all of this is easier said than done, so let’s look at a few practical ways to protect all of the hard work you put into making your kitchen look fantastic.
Choosing Your Design Materials
For many designers, it just makes sense to match the backsplash with the countertops. It makes it easier to tie the walls in with your larger color scheme and protects your kitchen walls from getting hit with all that splatter the next time you make pasta. Given the dual function, it makes sense to want to use a material that is just as sturdy as your countertop. For many families, stone is a clear choice.
With the ultra-thin options available, stone is one of the most versatile and practical materials you can use in your kitchen. Unlike natural stone, these purposefully created composites can replicate most other materials while offering a superior selection of colors, textures, and finishes. The resin used to seal this sintered stone is made to last and allows the stone to be cut so thin that excessive weight is no longer a problem.
Under normal conditions, you don’t even have to worry about re-sealing Neolith stone. However, you should pick a texture that is easy to clean. Rougher surfaces have more cracks and grooves for dirt and grease to hide. When you’re picking out your backsplash, do yourself a favor and choose a material you can easily wipe off. There’s no reason to spend all your time scrubbing for an almost unnoticeable texture difference.
Know Your Protective Coatings
Sintered stone doesn’t generally require sealing because it is made to be non-porous. The lack of porosity means that nothing that touches the counter’s surface will penetrate, making it far less likely to stain or develop mildew. If you do opt for natural stone countertops with a matching backsplash, then both the counter and backsplash should be resealed at least once a year.
You also have to be more careful with your cleaning products to avoid damaging the stone. Sintered stone is generally more resistant to strong chemicals, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Opting for a cleanser that is designed for stone means that you’ll get all the cleaning power you need without the risk of damaging the stone’s surface.
Clean it All: Top Tip for How to Protect a Stone Backsplash
A lot of us get into the habit of just cleaning up spills and crumbs as we go. It’s an effective short term solution but allows microscopic layers of grease and dust to build up over time. Vertical surfaces like your cabinets, backsplash, and even your oven hood are usually the most neglected. Within weeks you may notice a film starting to form. You may not see it on a darker surface, but it is obvious when you touch it. Avoid all of this by simply wiping all of your kitchen surfaces clean when you go through your regular cleaning routine. It just takes a few minutes, and it will save you hours of scrubbing down the line.
